Manchester Derby 2015: Louis Van Gaal's Key Press Conference Quotes

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal addressed the media on Friday afternoon as the buildup continues ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford.  

This weekend's clash will be Van Gaal's first such derby at the Theatre of Dreams, but the tactician was quoted by United's official Twitter account as being fully aware of the occasion that awaits his side:

Having lost 1-0 to Manuel Pellegrini's men at the Etihad Stadium earlier this season, the Dutch tinkerer has redemption in his sights and "dreams" of victory over United's fierce foes, per BBC Sport's Juliette Ferrington: 

As things stand, the third-place Red Devils hold a one-point advantage over the Citizens, and they can establish some breathing space in their pursuit of a top-three finish with a win this Sunday.

Failure to clinch a result would put City at risk of even failing to finish in the Champions League places, with Ferrington quoting Van Gaal as suggesting he always had faith in the strength of his squad:

With team selection likely to play a major role in the hosts' chances of claiming a fourth win in succession, Van Gaal praised his side, but he gave away nothing in terms of who will start against the Citizens:

However, striker Robin van Persie is one player certain not to feature on Sunday, despite making a return to training, while defenders Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw will undergo late fitness tests:

Van Gaal oversaw Friday's first-team training session, where a lengthy list of players who have been both prominent and otherwise this season jostled to impress their coach.

Per Gemma Thompson of Manchester United's official website, the manager said Angel Di Maria is among those pushing for a place in the starting XI, praising the character of all of his players in the process:

"

Not only Angel [is pushing for a place], but every player who is training in the first squad are pushing because they want to do their utmost. I played 11 vs 11 today and the team in white was very good - the white team was not the basic line-up, so they are pushing always and I like that. I said that to all of them, that I like the fighting spirit of every one of them.

"

Van Gaal is attempting to end a four-year hoodoo against Manchester City, with United's last home victory over their local rivals coming all the way back in February 2011.

Sunday's hosts may feel hopeful of their chances, however, after Crystal Palace handed the Citizens a 2-1 defeat on Monday to jeopardise their top-four status.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Victory this weekend would see Van Gaal's men solidify their place in third and potentially rise to second depending on Arsenal's success travelling to Burnley on Saturday.

The Manchester United manager has every reason to be upbeat leading into Sunday's derby collision, and victory for the home outfit could signal another change in the Manchester power balance.